Summary of Meet One of Our Largest Green Sea Turtle Patients!:
The Sea Turtle Healing Center recently welcomed a giant female green sea turtle named Jolene. She was found with a fishing line wrapped around her neck and front flippers. Jolene received a complete exam and treatment for her injuries, including a fish skin graft. She also laid about 80 eggs, which were given to a research group for monitoring. Jolene had been previously tagged in 2007. Her condition is being closely monitored as she continues her rehabilitation. If you find a distressed sea turtle, contact the authorities and do not remove any items unless they impede its ability to breathe.
Summary:
– Our Sea Turtle Healing Center recently welcomed Jolene, one of its most significant female green sea turtle patients.
– Jolene was found with a fishing line wrapped around her neck and front flippers.
– She underwent a complete exam and treatment to address her injuries and promote healing.
– Jolene was also found to be carrying eggs and laid about 80 eggs during her stay at the Healing Center.
– Her condition is currently guarded, and updates on her rehabilitation will be shared in the future.
Welcome, Jolene!
Our Sea Turtle Healing Center is no stranger to treating sea turtles in need, but recently, we welcomed one of the most significant female green sea turtle patients in the center’s nine-year history. Meet Jolene, a majestic 374-pound adult green sea turtle who arrived at our Healing Center on Friday, July 7, needing urgent care.
Jolene’s journey to our Healing Center began when she was found at Mark’s Landing in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Discovered with a commercial fishing line tightly wrapped around her neck and front flippers, she desperately needed assistance. The Sea Turtle Preservation Society promptly responded to the scene. With the help of several organizations, they carefully managed to bring Jolene up to the beach and transport her to our facility.
Upon her arrival, Jolene was given a thorough examination to assess the extent of her injuries. Our dedicated zoo staff and volunteers worked together to perform bloodwork, an ultrasound, and an x-ray, providing valuable insights into her condition. The fishing line had caused deep cuts, exposing muscle and nerves on her left front flipper. We wasted no time cleaning her wounds, ensuring they were meticulously treated to avoid any potential infections. A medical-grade fish skin graft was carefully applied to some of the cuts on her left flipper to aid in her healing process.
In addition to her injuries, it was discovered that Jolene was gravid, meaning she was carrying eggs. On Monday, July 10, she laid approximately 80 eggs, each representing hope for the continuation of her species. These precious eggs were entrusted to the University of Central Florida Marine Turtle Research Group (UCF MTRG). The team at UCF carefully placed them in a hand-dug chamber on the beach, where they will be monitored for development.
During the examination, our Healing Center staff also uncovered an exciting detail about Jolene – she had a tag in her flippers. It turns out that she was previously discovered nesting in 2007 by UCF researchers, who tagged her then. This fascinating connection highlights the importance of tracking and monitoring sea turtles to better understand their behavior and contribute to their conservation efforts.
Although Jolene’s condition remains guarded, we are optimistic about her prognosis. Our dedicated staff will continue to provide the utmost care and attention as she progresses through her rehabilitation journey. The Sea Turtle Healing Center will inform the public about Jolene’s progress as we eagerly anticipate her return to the ocean.
If you ever encounter a sea turtle in distress, it is vital to seek professional help. Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922, or in Brevard County, call the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at 321-206-0646 for assistance with strandings. It’s important not to attempt to remove any items from the sea turtle, including fishing line, unless it impairs the turtle’s ability to breathe.
In closing, we invite you to support the Sea Turtle Healing Center. Your generous contributions will help us continue providing vital care for injured and distressed sea turtles like Jolene. Whether you support our zoo or explore our Healing Center’s wishlist, every act of kindness and support brings us closer to a future where these magnificent creatures thrive in their natural habitats.
Remember, every effort counts in preserving and protecting our precious marine wildlife. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for sea turtles and all species that call our oceans home.
